Chris Burton

Liverpool have been told that they have “one hell of a player” on their hands in Federico Chiesa, with the Reds yet to see the Italian forward’s “true qualities”. The European Championship winner was heavily linked with a move elsewhere in the summer transfer window, but the deadline passed with no deal done and he remains part of Arne Slot’s plans at Anfield.

Nick Woltemade has been discussing his living arrangement since completing a transfer to Newcastle, with the German striker being joined on Tyneside by one of his best friends. Neither has an issue with their shared accommodation as they remain single and ready to embrace an exciting new challenge with Premier League giants in the north of England.

Lionel Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup has been called into question, but Argentina team-mate Cristian Romero claims the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will “easily” make it to that event. The all-time great has, at 38 years of age, conceded that fitness concerns could lead to him missing out on the defence of a global title in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Manchester City have shockingly been branded an “amateur team” by Premier League cult hero Paolo di Canio. The ex-West Ham star believes that another of his former clubs, Serie A title holders Napoli, are capable of claiming a notable scalp when heading to the Etihad Stadium for an intriguing opening clash in their 2025-26 Champions League campaign.

Cristian Romero has welcomed the arrival of an “organised” coach at Tottenham, which could be considered a swipe at former boss Ange Postecoglou. Spurs are now working under the guidance of Danish tactician Thomas Frank, with a change in the dugout being made over the summer after stumbling to a 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Carlo Ancelotti admits that Endrick’s development at Real Madrid stalled due to the presence of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, with the Italian tactician having to decide whether the teenage forward is deserving of a place in his Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup. Spots in that selection remain up for grabs less than a year out from the tournament itself.

Erling Haaland has reportedly become an “obsession” for Joan Laporta, with Barcelona’s president confident that the Norwegian striker can be prised away from Manchester City. The Blaugrana will find themselves in the market for a new No.9 during the summer of 2026 as prolific Polish frontman Roberto Lewandowski is seeing his contract run down towards free agency.

Cristiano Ronaldo will play on with Portugal for “as long as he wants”, says Ricardo Carvalho, with the 40-year-old frontman expected to lead his country at the 2026 World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has earned 223 caps, remains available for international duty after signing a two-year contract extension with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr.

Ed Sheeran is set to become the latest musical artist to feature on the front of Barcelona shirts when the Liga giants take in a Clasico clash with old adversaries Real Madrid. That rivalry is set to be rekindled on October 26, with Sheeran - who recently released his new album ‘Play’ - forming part of the long-term sponsorship agreement that Barca have in place with Spotify.

Giuseppe Rossi is an admirer of Luis Suarez’s on-field ability, but admits that some of the Uruguayan’s antics “are crap”. With that in mind, the forward who spent time with Manchester United, Newcastle, Villarreal and in MLS during his playing days has explained why he would not pay to watch the Inter Miami striker in action the next time that he passes through New York.

Erik ten Hag has been approached regarding a shock return to one of his former clubs. The ex-Manchester United boss finds himself out of work again after seeing his spell at Bayer Leverkusen cut brutally short. The Dutch tactician is mulling over what to do next, with one invitation having already been received that would have taken him back to his homeland.

Alexander Isak’s arrival at Liverpool will allow some goal-scoring responsibility to be shifted away from Mohamed Salah, but the Egyptian superstar has been told that the addition of another forward “won’t improve” his numbers. Salah has been a revelation for the Reds, but they have now splashed out £125 million ($170m) on adding Swedish striker Isak to their ranks.

Chelsea have been charged with 74 breaches of rules relating to agents, intermediaries and third party investment. The alleged misdemeanours date back to Roman Abramovich’s time as owner. Various punishments are being speculated on, but the Blues may avoid being stung with the harshest of points deductions by the Football Association.

Arne Slot has further outlined Liverpool’s plan for Alexander Isak, with the Reds reluctant to rush the £125 million ($170m) striker into making his debut. Isak has, after completing a record-breaking transfer from Newcastle to Anfield, become the most expensive player in British football. He is, however, lacking fitness and sharpness on the back of a hectic summer.

Andre Onana is being tipped to secure a marquee transfer away from Manchester United in 2026, with a loan spell at Trabzonspor allowing his reputation to be rebuilt. The Cameroon international is now out of sight and mind at Old Trafford, but the expectation is that another big club will come calling once his ability has been highlighted again in Turkey.

Wes Brown says Cristiano Ronaldo is “still better than a lot of strikers out there”, with the Portuguese “Superman” expected to keep going until he “breaks down”. There is no sign of the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star calling it quits any time soon, with the evergreen frontman still going strong with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr at 40 years of age.

The reasons for Raphinha being unexpectedly dropped by Barcelona for their La Liga clash with Valencia have been revealed. Hansi Flick removed the Brazilian forward from his starting XI, with the South American - who fills the captain’s armband for the Blaugrana - being punished for off-field misdemeanours that left his demanding German coach frustrated.

Paul Pogba has revealed what he got up to while serving a doping ban, with the World Cup winner moving his family to Dubai for six months. The France international, who was cleared to resume his career in March 2025, is still waiting on his return to competitive action after heading back to his homeland and signing a two-year contract with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco.